THIRTIETH  CONGRESS— SECOND  SESSION. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIYES. 


PUBLIC  PROPERTY  AT  GOVERNOR'S  ISLAND,  N.  Y. 


LETTER 

FROM  1 

THE  SECRETARY  OF  WAR, 

^  TRANSMITTING, 

In  answer  to  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  the  2\)th  of  December  lastj 
reports  in  regard  to  the  value^  Sfc.^  of  the  public  property  at  Gov- 
ernor^s  island,  JSTew  York. 

February  15,  1849. 

Laid  apon  the  table,  and  ordered  to  be  printed,  , 


War  Department, 
Washington,  February  6/;^l849. 

Sir:  Pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  20th  of  December  last,  I  have  caused  "an  estimate  of  the  value 
of  the  public  property,  including  the  soil  on  Governor's  island  in 
the  harbor  of  New  York,  to  be  made,"  and  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit herewith  reports  from  the  head  quarters  of  the  army,  the  en- 
gineer office,  and  ordnance  bureau,  containing  the  information  re- 
quired, and  with  their  views  upon  the  subjebt  of  "ceding  the  said 
island,  and  so  much  of  the  public  property  as  cannot  be  moved,-  to 
the  city  of  New  York." 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

^  W.  L.  MARCY, 

Secretary  of  War* 

Hon.  R.  C.  Winthrop, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


2  ^  Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 

"/Oll>^  Engineer  Department, 

:^'\^Y  Washington,  February ,  1849. 

Sir:  The  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Decem- 
1)er  20,  1848,  calling  for  an  estimate  of  the  value  of  the  public 
property,  including  the  soil,  on  Governor's  island,  in  the  hiirbor 
of  New  York,  being  referred  to  this  office  for  report,  was  immedi- 
ately transmitted  to  Major  Delafield,  the  chief  engineer  in  that 
hSirbor,  with  instructions  to  obtain  and  report  as  soon  as  practi- 
cable the  information  called  for  by  the  resolution. 

Major  Delafield's  estimate  is  transmitted  herewith,  from  which  it 
appears  that  the  value  of  the  property,  taken  into  account  by  him, 
amounts  to  $2,151,660  55. 

This  sum  does  not,  however,  include  the  early  ex- 
penditures on  Governor's  island,  as  to  which,  find- 
ing no  information  in  this  office,  I  asked  a  state- 
ment of  "the  Third  Auditor.  From  this  statement, 
this  morning  received,  I  learn  that  from  1st  Oc- 
tober, 1824,  to  December  31,  1848,  there  has  been 
expended  for  fortifications  on  Governor's  Island 
the  sum  of   $319,910  33 

I  also  learn  that  from  1794  to  the  close  of  the  war 
with  Great  Britain,  there  was  expended  for  forti- 
cations  in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  without  any  I 
designation  of  particular  forts  or  works,  the  fur- 
ther sum  of  $2,013,915  02.  Knowing  the  nature 
and  extent  of  the  several  works  of  that  period,  I 
am  cortfident  in  stating  that  we  shall  be  within 
bounds  if  we  take  two-thirds  of  this  amount  as 
appertaining  to  Governor's  island,  namely   1,342,610  00 

Between  1st  January,  1817,  and  31st  December, 
1825,  there  was  also  expended,  according  to  the 
same  authority  under  the  same  general  head,  the 
sum  of  $6,170  485  assigning  one-half  for  Gover- 
nor's island,  we  must  add   3,085  24 


Total  expenditures  on  the  fortifications  of  Gov- 
ernor's island  to  31st  December,  1848   1,665,605  57 

Add  now  for  buildings  independent  of  the  forts,  as 
barracks,  quarters,  hospital,  ordnance  establish- 
ments, &c.,  &c.,  as  per  Major  Delafield's  esti- 
«iate  of  their  value,  the  sum  of   100,923  00 

Total  value  of  forts,  buildings,  &c  1,766,528  57 

There  should  be  added  to  above  amount  the  sum 
charged  to  the  United  States  by  the  State  of  New 
York,  on  the  transfer  of  the  island  and  the  old 
forts  by  the  State^  and  to  this  end  Major  Dela- 
field addressed  some  inquiries  to  the  comptroller 
of  the  State;  but  it  is  not  considered  proper 
longer  to  delay  this  report  in  waiting  for  a  reply. 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


For  the  value  of  the  ground  or  soil  of  the  island, 
I  assume  Major  Delafield's  estimate,  which 
amounts  to   $1,493,760  Oa 

Making  a  grand  total  of   3,260,278  57 

The  above  statement  is  confined  to  the  money  value  to  the 
United  States  of  Governor's  island,  and  its  forts,  batteries,  and 
other  structures.  But  great  as  this  value  undoubtedly  is,  under 
any  principle  of  estimation,  it  cannot  serve  as  a  measure  of  the  im- 
portance of  the  island  in  the  system  of  defence.  In  this  sense  it 
is  invaluable.  It  cannot  be  dispensed  with.  No  positions  can  be 
found  to  take  the  place,  in  the  duty  of  protecting  the  citizens  of 
New  York  and  Brooklyn,  and  the  navy  yard  from  an  enemy's 
fleet,  of  the  batteries  of  180  guns  of  large  calibre,  all  well  placed 
and  effective,  on  this  island. 

Were  all  the  defences  which  are  projected  for  the  Narrows^ 
Sandy  Hook,  and  the  approach  by  the  East  river,  completed  and 
in  perfect  condition,  it  would  still  be  necessary  to  maintain  the 
works  in  question;  because,  without  them,  a  few  heavily  armed 
vessels,  steaijiers,  or  others,  which  had  survived  the  passage  of  the 
outer  batteries,  or  had  slipped  past  those  works  while  they  were 
occupied  with  the  main  portion  of  the  enemy's  fleet,  might  levy  a 
contribution,  or  greatly  injure  the  cities  and  destroy  the  navy  yard. 

In  all  military  arrangements  it  is  necessary,  moreover,  to  provide 
against  defeat;  and  accordingly  we  are  bound  to  provide  against 
the  consequences  of  unavailing  opposition,  from  whatever  cause, 
by  the  outer  ^line  of  defences;  in  which  case,  the  formidable  array 
of  guns  upon  Governor's  island  would,  in  conjunction  with  the 
smaller  works  on  Bedlow's  and  Ellis's,  islands,  be  the  only  remain- 
ing defence  of  these  great  cities  and  of  one  of  the  greatest  naval  de- 
pots of  the  country. 

But  the  exterior  defences  are  far  from  completion,  or  even  from 
a  state  of  advancement  calculated  to  inspire  confidence,  should  we 
become  engaged  with  a  powerful  enemy,  a  state  which,  according- 
to  the  past  and  the  probable  rate  or  appropriation,  will  not  be 
attained  for  a  quarter  of  a  century.  To  relinquish  the  occupation 
of  Governor's  island  as  a  vital  point  in  the  system  of  permanent 
defence;  to  do  anything,  or  suffer  anything  to  be  done,  which 
would  weaken  this  position  against  attack,  lessen  its  efficiency,  or 
throw  back  its  state  of  preparation,  would  therefore  be,  to  say  the 
least,  an  act  of  extreme  imprudence. 

It  may  be  alleged,  as  it  has  been,  that  the  works  are  inferior,  im- 
perfect in  construction  and  bad  in  principle.  Such  statements 
would  not  only  convey  much  more  than  just  criticism  would  sanc- 
tion, but  what  is  of  more  consequence,  would  give  false  impres- 
sions. There  ^re  faults,  undoubtedly,  in  each  of  the  Avorks  in  ques- 
tion; for  example,  the  same  number  of  guns  might  have  been  es- 
tablished at  less  expense,  the  scope  or  field  of  fire  of  each  gun 
might  have  been  more  extended,  &c.  Still  these  are,  each  and  all^ 
most  efficient  works,  and  defensible  against  any  effort  of  an  enemy* 


4 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


Every  gun  of  the  180  in  number  is  either  now  mounted  and  per- 
fectly ready  for  action,  or  may  be  so  prepared  in  a  few  hours.  All 
the  arrangements  and  preparations  for  guns  are  of  the  best  kind, 
permanent  and  always  in  good  condition.  The  magazines  are  shot 
and  shell  proof;  the  shot  furnaces  are  ready  to  be  lighted.  This 
condition  of  entire  readiness  is  the  result  of  the  repairs  and  im- 
provements of  the  last  few  years. 

As  it  will  probably  be  thought  the  duty  of  the  department  to  ex- 
hibit the  importance  of  this  island  in  relation  to  oiher  military 
interests  as  an  ordnance  depot,  as  a  place  for  the  concentration  of 
troops,  &c.,I  shall  say  no  more  than  that  I  do  not  see  how  it  would 
be  possible  to  supply  its  place  in  reference  to  such  uses. 

There  are  many  considerations  connected  with  the  subject  which 
I  should  urge,  if  they  had  not  been  presented  in  the  report  of  Ma- 
jor Delafield  to  Major  General  Scott,  and  sanctioned  by  that  high 
officer. 

The  conditions  on  which  the  island  was  conveyed  to  the  United 
States  by  the  State  of  New  York,  as  shown  by  Major  Delafield  in 
that  report,  will  of  course  obtain  due  consideration. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  sir,  your  obedient  ser- 
vant, 

J.  G.  TOTTEN, 

Brevet  Brigadier  General  and  Chief  of  Engineers. 
W.  L.  Marcy, 

Secretary  of  War. 


Estimate  of  the  value  of  the  public  property,  including  the  soil  on 
Governor^  island,  in  the  harbor  of  J\*ew  York,  made  with  a  view 
of  ceding  the  said  island,  and  so  much  of  the  public  property  as 
cannot  be  moved  to  the  city  of  JSTew  York,  under  a  resolution  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  20th  of  December,  1848. 


Ordnance  depot. — Two  store  houses   $9,794  60 

Officers'  quarters   6,919  62 

f        Artificers' quarters   4,519  62 

Armorers' shop  «   5S0  65 

Smiths'  shop   580  66 

Stable   887  46 

\        Fire  pump,  reservoir  and  hose  house   480  06 

Sea  wall,  enclosing  depot  ;   23,172  24 

Iron  fence  on  sea  wall   665  09 


47,600  00 

Head-quarters   12,000  00 

•    Hospital  and  out  buildings,  within  the  brick  enclosure.   14,000  00 

Quartermaster's  store,  built  in  1848    4,300  00 

Asphalte  factory  and  stores   1,500  00 

fitore  house  for  ordnance  of  the  port   2,261  00 

Bakery   1,750  00 

Engineer  depot,  with  frame  building  attached  thereto   4,266  00 

Guard  house  and  offices   3,724  00 

Surgeon's  quarters,  frame  building   1 ,543  00 

Soldiers'  barracks,  frame  building,  very  old  but  extensive   5,725  00 

Commissary  and  quartermaster's  stores,  near  wharf   2,789  00 

Quartermaster's  stables,  near  wharf   566  00 

Stone  wharf  and  landing   31,678  48 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


5 


Castle  Williams. —20,000  cubic  yards  of  masonry  at  $10   $200,000  00 

7,000  cubic  yards  masonry  at  $5   35,000  00 

Stair  ways  in  towers  t  1 ,000  00 

Pintle  blocks  and  traverse  circles   7,800  00 

1,500  c.  yards  brick  masonry  in  arches  at  $7. .  10,500  00 

350  feet  iron  railing  in  terreplein   640  00 

Large  gates  and  doors  in  castle.  (51)   2,551  00 

Small  gates  in  towers,  &o.,  (14)   280  00 

Large  gates,  entrance,  (1)   250  00 

Sashes  in  embrasures,  3d  tier   75  00 

Shutters  in  embrasures,  1st  and  2d  tiers   130  00 

Flagging,  13,800  feet   2,070  00 

Shot  furnace   1 ,240  00 

Floors  of  2d  and  3d  tiers,  gallery  of  communi- 
cation, buildings  over  stair-ways,  asphalte  on 
barbette,  roofs  and  lining  of  magazines,  with 

copper  gutters,  8cc   28,444  65 

 $287.980  65 


South  battery. — Masonry  of  scarp,  interior  face  of  rampart,  traverse  circles 
and  pintle  blocks,  shot  furnace,  officers  and  soldiers'  quarters, 
as  constructed  by  Captains  Saunders  and  Button,  Colonel 
Smith  and  Major  Delafield  ,   16 ,045  53 

Fort  Columbus. — Stone  face  of  scarp,  officers  and  soldiers'  quarters,  gateway, 
magazines,  faces  of  counterscarp,  interior  face  and  coping  of 
glacis,  drawbridge,  &c.,  as  constructed  by  Colonels  De 
Russey  and  Smith,  Captains  Saunders,  Button  and  Barnard, 
and  Major  Belafield,  being  additions  to  the  work  as  received 
from  the  State  of  New  York   220 , 182  89 


To  which  add  the  cost  of  Fort  Columbus  and  south  battery,  or  the  value  tkere- 
of,  as  received  from  the  State  of  New  York,  under  the  acts  of  Congress  and 
of  the  State  for  settling  the  revolutionary  debt  » 

To  which  add  the  expense  of  grading  the  island,  as  executed  during  the  agency 
of  Captain  Wiley  and  Colonel  Post  


Total  estimated  value  of  the  forts  and  buildings   657 ,9 10  55 


Estimate  of  the  value  of  the  soil. 

The  entire  surface  of  the  island  bounded  by  right  lines,  at  low  water  mark,  is  71.95  acres, 
which  being  divided  into  lots  of  20'  X  100'  and  separated  by  streets,  in  conformity  with  the 
divisions  in  the  best  regulated  parts  of  the  city  of  New  York,  gives  a  total  of  1,019  lotsj  and 
taking  the  value  of  the  lots  and  grounds  at  South  Brooklyn,  which  have  been  sold  since  Jan- 
uary, 1847,  as  a  standard  of  comparison,  the  value  will  be  as  follows:  , 

In  range  No  1  on  the  water   107  lots  at  $4,000  $428,000 

do  do    60   do      3,000  180,000 

do  do    104   do      2.000  208,000 

271  lots.      $816,000 

In  range  No.  2  parallel  to  No.  1   78  do  2.500  195,000 

do  do    50  do  2,000  100,000 

do  do    89  do  1,500  120,000 

208      415,000 

In  range  No.  3                                    78  do  1,500  117,000 

do                                               50  do  1,200  60,000 

do                                               69  do  1,000  69,000 

197      246,000 

In  range  No.  4...-   54    do       1,000  54,000 

do   84   do         700  58,800 

138      112,800 

In  range  No.  5                                    48  4o  750  36,000 

do                                               6  do  700  4,200 

do                                             67  do  500  33,500 

121      73,700 


6 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


do   

55     :   $23,000 

In  range  No.  7.  

29     :   7,250 


25 

do 

500 

$12,500 

30 

do 

350 

10,600 

29 

do 

250 

7,250 

1 ,019  lots  valued  at   1 ,693 ,750 

The  total  estimated  value  of  the  soil  is  as  above,  if  put  into  the  hands  of  commis- 
sioners to  sell  on  the  most  advantageous  terms,  and  after  making  the  best 
arrangements  to  fix  the  value  of  the  several  ranges.  To  give  this  value,  the 
water  front  should  be  wharfed,  the  expense  of  which  should  be  deducted  from 
the  above   200,000 

Leaving  the  estimated  value  of  the  soil   1 ,493,750 

New  York,  January  13,  1849. 

RICHARD  DELAFIELD, 
Major  of  Engineers. 


Report  of  the  engineer  superintending  the-  defences  of  the  harbor 
of  JVew  York  on  the  importance  of  Governor's  island,  and  the 
military  works  erected  on  it,  with  respect  to  the  defence  of  the 
harbor  of  JSTew  York,  and  the  general  convenience  and  necessities 
of  the  service. 

This  report  is  called  for  by  the  major  general  in  conformicy  with 
the  requirements  of  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  20th  instant,  calling  for  an  estimate  of  the  value  of  the  public 
property,  including  the  soil  on  Governor's  island,  with  a  view  of 
ceding  the  island,  and  so  much  of  the  public  property  as  cannot  be 
removed,  to  the  city  of  New  York. 

It  is  first  necessary  to  examine  the  title  of  the  United  States  to 
the  soil  of  this  island,  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  the  right  exists 
to  cede  this  property  to  the  city  of  New  York,  or  make  any  other 
disposition  of  it  than  for  the  defence  of  the  harbor. 

The  act  of  Congress  of  the  20th  of  March,  1794,  authorises  the 
President  of  the  United  States  to  fortify  certain  harbors,  including 
that  of  New  York.  The  third  section  declares  that  it  shall  be  law- 
ful for  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  receive  from  any  State 
(in  behalf  of  the  United  States)  a  cession  of  the  lands  on  which  any 
of  the  fortifications  aforesaid,  with  the  necessary  buildings,  may  be 
erected,  or  intended  to  be  erected;  or,  where  such  cessions  shall  not 
be  made,  to  purchase  such  lands  in  behalf  of  the  United  States; 
provided,  that  no  purchase  shall  be  made  where  such  lands  are  the 
property  of  a  State. 

The  act  of  Congress  of  the  3d  of  May,  1798,  sets  forth  that, 
where  any  State  was  found  indebted  to  the  United  States,  on  set- 
tlement of  accounts,  shall  proceed  to  finish  or  complete  any  fortifi- 
cations heretofore  commenced  by  such  State  for  the  defence  of  any 
port  or  harbor  within  thc'same,  or  shall  make  or  erect  any  addi- 
tional fortifications,  pursuant  to  the  act  of  1797 — as  well  as  the 
previous  expenditure  made  since  the  20th  of  March,  1794,  which 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


7 


shall  be  approved  by  the  President  as  the  expenditures  which  have 
been  or  which  shall  be  directed  by  him — shall  be  allowed  and  cre- 
dited to  such  State,  on  account  of  the  balance  found  and  reported 
as  aforesaid;  provided,  that  the  fortifications  for  which  the  whole 
or  any  part  of  the  expenditure  shall  be  so  allowed  and  credited  as 
aforesaid,  with  their  privileges  and  appurtenances^  shall  be  declared 
and  established  as  the  property  of  the  United  States  while  main- 
tained BY  THEM.  ' 

The  second  section  of  this  act  of  1798  sets  forth  that  these  words 
of  the  act  of  the  23d  of  June,  1797,  entitled  ^'an  act  for  the  further 
defence  of  the  ports  and  harbors  of  the  United  States,"  that  is  to 
say,  provided,  the  said  States  shall  and  do  cede  to  the  United 
States  the  lands  or  places  on  which  such  fortifications  shall  be  so 
erected,  in  cases  where  the  lands  are  the  property  of  such  State," 
shall  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 

The  act  of  the  State  of  New  York  of  the  15th  of  February,  1800, 
sets  forth,  that  the  following  islands  in  and  about  the  harbor  of 
New  York,  and  in  and  about  the  fortifying  of  which  this  State  hath 
heretofore  expended  or  cause  to  be  expended  large  sums  of  money, 
to  wit,  Bedlow's  island.  Oyster  island.  Governor's  island,  on  which 
Fort  Jay  is  situated,  shall  hereafter  be  subject  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  United  States. 

The  act  of  the  State  of  New  York  of  the  28th  March,  1800,  sets 
forth  that  the  State  of  New  York  engages  to  spend  within  five 
years  from  that  date,  in  erecting,  enlarging  and  completing  fortifi- 
cations within  the  State,  at  such  places  the  jurisdiction  whereof 
shall  be  previously  to  such  expenditure  ceded  to  the  United  States, 
or  places  to  be  approved  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  a 
sum  of  money,  '^hich,  with  the  sums  already  expended  by  the  State 
since  the  establishment  of  the  present  government  of  the  United 
States  in  fortifying  any  place  within  this  State,  and  for  which  this 
State  may  be  credited,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  shall  be  equal  to 
the  sum  assumed  by  the  United  States  in  the  debt  of  this  State. 
This  being  in  conformity  with  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  15th  Feb- 
ruary, 1799. 

This  comprises  all  the  legislation  I  find  bearing  upon  the  right 
of  the  United  States  to  Governor's  island,  and  gives  no  right  to 
soil  any  longer  than  it  may  be  used  for  the  defence  of  the  harbor 
of  New  York.  I  can  find  no  deed  or  conveyance  of  the  fee  of  this 
property  to  the  United  States,  nor  any  legal  right  vested  in  it  to 
cede  the  same  to  the  city  of  New  York,  under  any  circumstances 
whatever. 

It  might  sufiSce  to  let  the  subject  rest  here,  but  that  the  major 
general  asks  for  other  information  in  relation  to  the  fortifications 
and  uses  of  Governor's  island;  the  more  important  to  be  distinctly 
set  forth,  as  there  is  danger  of  the  public  interest  being  sacrificed 
for  the  want  of  this  information. 

We  may  gain  some  knowledge  of  the  actual  importance  of  the 
fortifications  on  Governor's  islai^  by  referring  to  a  history  of  the 
past. 

At  the  period  of  our  revolutionary  war,  and  after  Washington 


8 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


had  driven  the  British  army  from  Boston  and  marched  his  army  to 
New  York,  this  island  was  occupied,  and  was,  with  the  batteries 
on  Red  Hook  and  the  end  of  York  island,  the  only  defence  against 
a  fleet  entering  and  occupying  the  harbor  of  New  York.  Such  was 
their  importance  that  the  fleet  and  forces  of  Lord  Howe,  rather 
than  encounter  the  injury  and  risk  of  forcing  or  reducing  them,  and 
thus  cut  off  Washington's  retreat  from  Long  Island,  preferred 
meeting  the  enemy  on  the  beach  at  Gravesend  bay,  and  in  the  field 
make  battle  with  our  troops  to  force  us  from  Long  Island,  and  thus 
gain  the  city  and  evacuation  of  the  islands,  rather  than  attempt  to 
subdue  them  ^with  the  broadsides  of  his  ships.  The  fortifications 
on  Governor's  island  served  at  that  time  to  protect  the  city  and 
command  the  harbor  against  an  enemy's  fleet. 

Again,  during  the  war  of  1812  t.o  1815,  those  fortifications  on 
Governor's  island,  in  connexion  with  those  on  Bedlow's  and  Ellis's 
islands,  were  our  greatest  reliance  in  defending  our  inner  . harbor 
against  the  ingress  and  entire  control  of  the  city  and  harbor  of  New 
York,  and  its  inland  water  communications  with  the  southern  and 
eastern  States. 

At  the  Narrows  the  United  States  then  had  some  guns  mounted  on 
the  Long  Island  shore,  and  the  State  of  New  York  had  constructed 
some  open  batteries  opposite  on  the  Staten  Island  shore;  but  the 
experience  of  the  revolution  taught  the  necessity  of  supporting 
these  batteries,  unprotected  as  they  were  on  the  land  side,  by  a 
large  military  force  of  not  less  at  one  time  than  20,000  mer,  under 
Governor  Tompkins.  It  was  to  this  large  force,  drawn  from  the 
militia  of  the  State,  and  kept  under  arms  for  months  from  their  ac- 
customed industry  and  occupation,  that  we  had  to  rely  for  main- 
taining ourselves  against  another  landing  in  Gravesend  bay,  and  to 
the  forts  in  the  harbor  for  security  against  a  fleet. 

Important  as  the  fortifications  in  the  harbor  then  were,  it  must 
not  be  disguised  that  at  the  present  time,  with  the  changes  intro- 
duced in  the  art  of  war,  by  the  introduction  of  heavier  artillery, 
and  the  use  that  will  inevitably  be  made  of  steam  frigates  and 
steam  transports,  we  are  in  greater  want  of  sea  coast  batteries  now 
than  ever.    This  harbor  and  city  is  more  readily  approached  now, 
than  either  during  the  revolutionary  war  or  war  of  1812  to  1815. 
We  know  that  Great  Britain  has  removed  her  naval  depot  fromi 
Halifax  to  the  more  central  position  and  milder  climate  of  Bermu- 
da, where  facilities  are  already  provided  on  a  large  scale  for  equip- 
ping a  fleet,  protected  by  strong  and  permanent  fortifications,  upon 
which  they  are  still  laboring.    These  can  only  look  to  the  contin- 
gency of  a  rupture  with  this  country  to  justify  such  heavy  expenses 
as  they  involve.    We  know,  also,  that  her  steam  packets  ply  regu- 
larly every  month  to  and  from  Bermuda  and  this  port,  and  in  about 
seventy-five  hours  from  port  to  port.    In  this  short  time  a  fleet  of 
steamers,  having  taken  on  board  an  army  at  Bermuda,  can  be  in 
Gravesend  bay,  and  in  half  a  day  may  be  on  shore,  from  whence  to 
the  navy  yard  is  a  march  of  not  to^xeeed  two  hours.    Its  destruc- 
tion must  be  the  consequence  of  such  an  expedition,  together  with 
so  much  of  Brooklyn  and  the  mercantile  fleet  at  the  docks  on  the 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


9 


East  nver  as  he  would  or  could  give  the  time  to  destroy  before  re- 
treating to  his  ships.  We  have  not  a  gun  mounted  to  prevent  such 
a  result,  and  our  experience  teaches  us  that  the  main  reliance  of 
the  nation,  the  militia,  is  not  available  at  so  short  a  notice. 

It  must  be  recollected  that  at  the  Narrows  we  have  as  yet  but 
commenced  to  fortify  the  Staten  island  shore.  All  the  batteries 
that  now  exist  on  that  side  of  the  channel  are  unprotected  in  the 
rear,  and  can  be  carried  without  opposing  any  resistance  on  the 
land  side.  The  marines  of  a  fleet  would  suffice  to  capture  these 
batteries  from  the  rear,  without  a  body  of  troops  there  encamped 
to  protect  them.  The  Narrows,  our  greatest  security  against  a 
fleet  when  well  fortified,  is  now  quite  in  an  unfinished  and  indefen- 
sible condition.  To  sacrifice  our  interior  defences  before  having 
something  elsewhere  to  rely  upon,  would  be  at  once  abandoning 
the  wealth  of  this  metropolis  to  the  cupidity  of  an  enemy,  and  its 
fall  would  carry  with  it  our  naval  resources  at  Bro&klyn,  and  the 
interruption  of  the  great  channels  of  communication  inland,  now 
centreing  at  and  passing  through  this  city.  Governor's  islaJid  still 
continues  to  hold  the  same  importance  in  the  defence  of  the  harbor 
that  it  kas  always  done,  and  is  now  more  reliable,  from  the 
increased  strength  of  the  barrier,  against  the  passage  of  a  fleet,  by 
the  co-aperation  of  the  works  at  Bedlow's  island,  which,  with 
those  on  Governor's  island,  form  opposing  batteries  to  a  fleet  of 
132  guns,  besides  rendering  the  interior  of  the  harbor  impracticable 
for  an  enemy's  anchorage  while  these  batteries  remain  unsilenced, 
and  he  must,  therefore,  destroy  them  before  he  can  remain  in 
undisturbed  possession  of  the  harbor.  But  Fort  Columbus  is  of  a 
character  not  t$  he  injured  by  ships'  batteries;  no  part  of  its  walls 
can  be  seen  from  a  ship,  and  these  must  be  breached  before  this 
work  can  be  taken;  to  erect  breaching  batteries,  a  landing  on  the 
island  must  be  effected  and  the  delays  of  a  siege  undergone.  Here- 
in is  our  security;  no  European  enemy  can  hope  for  success  under 
such  circumstances. 

But  this  island,  again,  is  the  only  reliable  point  from  whence  we 
can  command  the  approach  to  the  navy  yard  by  Buttermilk  chan- 
nel, in  the  absence  of  outer  defences  of  sufficient  strength.  South 
Battery,  on  that  island,  is  of  inestimable  value  and  importance  in 
this  point  of  view. 

Again,  let  us  even  consider  that  the  outer  defences  are  perfected, 
and  that  an  attack  is  made  by  a  fleet  upon  the  forts  at  the  Narrows; 
still  the  interior  harbor  defences  are  indispensable,  and  the  works 
on  Governor's  island  of  greater  necessity  than  the  oth^r  interior 
forts.  Such  an  attack  on  the  forts  at  the  Narrows,  if  made,  is  not 
to  be  of  short  duration.  As  great  as  the  force  of  the  artillery  of 
the  forts  may  be,  a  corresponding,  and  in  the  estimation  of  an  ene- 
my a  greater  force  must  be  brought  against  them,  with  any  chances 
of  success.'  If  we  measure  this  time  of  a  battle  between  a  well  ap- 
pointed fleet  and  these  land  batteries,  by  experience  elsewhere,  we 
shall  find  that  the  wooden  walls  of  a  fleet  have  held  out,  and  con- 
tinued an  obstinate  attack  or  defence,  from  four  to  six  hours.  Ex- 
mouth  laid  before  the  batteries  of  Algiers  six  hours;  Nelson  before 
2 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


those  of  Copenhagen  five  hours;  Admiral  Gambler's  attack  upon 
the  Danish  batteries  at  Copenhagen  continued  four  hours;  the 
French  ships  against  the  batteries  in  the  harbors  of  Cadiz  four 
hours  on  the  first  day,  and  eight  hours  on  the  second  day;  the  Spa- 
nish armament  against  the  water  batteries  of  Gibraltar  thirteen 
hours;  Commodore  Ford  against  Fort  Brissantan,  in  the  harbor  of 
Port  Prince,  six  hours  and  a  half;  the  English  fleet  against  the  bat- 
teries at  Ostend  four  hours. 

If,  then,  during  such  an  action  at  the  Narrows,  the  steam  frig- 
ates (which,  so  far  as  we  yet  know,  are  unsuited  for  battering 
ships)  should  leave  the  battle  to  be  fought  by  the  ships  of  the  line, 
and  push  with  all  celerity  for  the  navy  yard,  via  Buttermilk  chan- 
nel, before  the  probable  expiration  of  the  battle  at  the  Narrows, 
would  have  time  to  reach  the  navy  yard,  set  fire  to  and  destroy  it, 
and  return  to  their  fleet  to  join  in  its  further  movements — probably 
to  tow  them  ir^to  the  outer  bay  for  security;  but,  after  having  done 
us  incalculable  injury  both  at  the  navy  yard  and  among  the  ship- 
ping lining  the  shores  of  the  East  river.  It  is  only  by  having  a  se- 
cond line  of  defence,  as  in  this  case — the  fortifications  on  Gover- 
nor's and  Bedlow's  islands — ^that  we  could  prevent  such  a  result. 

And  again,  the  importance  of  continuing  and  preserving  this  in- 
ner and  second  line  of  defence  must  not  be  overlooked  in  the  pow- 
erful influence  it  must  have  upon  an  enemy  who,  having  fought  a 
desperate  action  at  the  Narrows,  finds  his  object  only  half  accom- 
plished; even  if  he  be  successful,  he  then  has  a  like  desperate  eff'ort 
to  encounter  with  batteries  mounting  132  guns,  and  himstlf  in  a 
crippled  condition  to  undertake  it.  In  this  point  of  view  the  sec- 
ond line  of  defence  at  Governor's  island  (now  the  only  one  we 
have  perfected)  is  all-important  to  us  in  our  system  of  harbor  de- 
fence. 

As  a  depot  for  ordnance  stores.  Governor's  island  is  not  only 
important  but  indispensable  to  the  military  service,  and  not  to  be 
replaced.  It  is  as  important  and  necessary  for  the  depot  of  milita- 
ry stores,  and  convenience  to  this  branch  of  the  military  service, 
as  the  city  of  New  York  is  to  the  commerce  and  trade  of  the  Uni- 
ted States.  There  is  no  point  presenting  the  same  facilities;  nor, 
indeed,  any  other  point  that  could  be  so  used.  Munitions  of  war 
are  not  allowed  to  be  stored  in  the  cities  or  towns  bordering  on 
the  waters  of  this  harbor.  Governor's  island  is  a  safe  depository 
therefor,  (and  we  have  no  other  in  this  harbor,)  and  from  whence 
they  can  be  shipped  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  and  for  the  supply 
of  any  army  we  may  have  in  the  field. 

The  necessity  for  this  island  as  a  depot  is  also  exemplified  by  the 
fact,  that,  although  the  Navy  Department  has  extensive  grounds 
at  and  near  the  navy  yard,  yet  they  are  compelled  to  use  the  forts 
of  this  harbor  as  depositories  for  their  ammunition,  being  the  only 
position  from  whence  it  can  be  had  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  as 
necessity  requires,  and  where  it  does  not  endanger  the  cities  and 
adjacent  towns. 

Its  necessity  has  for  a  long  time  been  made  manifest  by  the  con- 
stant use  made  of  it  for  quartering  troops  preparatory  to  embark- 


Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 


11 


ing  for  other  stations.  Arriving  in  New  York  from  the  recruiting 
rendezvous,  or  en  route  for  other  stations,  and  no  boarding-houses 
or  other  accommodations  for  them  in  the  city  pr  in  its  vicinity, 
either  in  barracks  or  fields  for  encampment,  there  is  an  indispen- 
sable necessity  for  Governor's  island  as  the  only  position  offering 
these  accommodations  to  the  troops  of  the  line,  and  there  is  no 
unoccupied  locality  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York  that  could  be  pur- 
chased suited  to  these  purposes. 

As  a  depot  for  the  engineer  service,  too,  it  is  important.  For 
the  preservation  and  repair  of  the  works  of  defence  in  this  harbor, 
there  must  be  some  central  point,  accessible  at  all  times,  whereat 
to  keep  on  hand  the  tools  and  material  peculiar  to  the  engineer 
service,  from  whence  they  can  be  readily  transported  from  the 
stores  and  warehouses,  as  wanted  from  time  to  time. 

I  come,  then,  to  the  conclusion  that  Governor's  island  and  its 
fortifications  is,  and  must  continue  to  be,  necessary  foj^the  defence 
of  the  port,  harbor  and  city  of  New  York;  and  indiiPensably  ne- 
cessary for  all  time  to  come  as  a  depot  for  the  military  establish- 
ment of  the  United  States;  that  no  other  position  can  be  found  in 
the  waters  of  this  harbor  to  supply  the  same  indispensable  wants 
and  necessities,  and  that  there  exists  no  right  on  the  part  of  the 
United  States  to  cede  this  island  to  the  city  of  New  York,  or  to 
make  any  other  use  of  it  than  that  to  which  it  is  now  applied. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  sevant, 

RICHARD  DELAFIELD. 

Major  of  Engineers, 

To  Major  Wm.  G.  Freeman, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

[For  the  in^rmation  of  Major  General  Scott,  commanding  eas- 
tern division.  United  States  army.] 

New  York,  December  30,  1848. 


[Endorsement  hy  Major  General  Scott  on  the  above.] 

I  adopt  the  within  excellent  report  of  the  chief  engineer  of  New 
York  harbor  as  my  own,  which  leaves  me  but  little  to  add. 

He  (Major  Delafield)  is  waiting,  in  the  letter  accompanying 
the  report,  for  "  some  information  from  the  State  comptroller  at 
Albany,  connected  with  the  settlement  of  the  accounts  referred  to 
in  the  act  of  the  State  of  New  York  of  the  28th  of  March,  1800," 
to  enable  him  to  finish  the  estimate  (in  hand)  of  the  cost  of  the 
work  on  Governor's  island,  and  the  value  of  the  ground.  When 
that  estiaiate  shall  have  been  received  at  this  office,  it  also  shall 
be  forwarded;  but  ?.s  the  same  information  may,  probably,  be  more 
readily  obtained  at  the  engineer  bureau  at  Washington,  I  do  not 
wait  for  it. 

Concurring  with  Major  Delafield  as  to  the  extreme  importance 
of  the  islands,  (Governor's  and  Bedlow's)  as  the  inner  line  of  de- 


12  Ex.  Doc.  No.  55. 

fence  for  this  harbor  and  city,  I  beg  to  remark,  if  abandoned  by 
the  United  States  in  time  of  peace,  they  will  never  be  available  for 
defence  in  time  of  war,  without  a  re-purchase,  at  an  enormous  ex- 
pense; for  I  believe  there  cannot  be  cited  a  solitary  instance  of 
the  recovery  of  property  of  any  kind  by  the  United  States,  once 
loaned  to  or  put  in  the  possession  of  a  State,  a  corporation  or  indi- 
vidual. This  remark,  of  course,  applies  to  the  recent  loan  (I  know 
not  on  what  terms)  of  Bedlow's  island  to  the  corporation  of  New 
York,  never  having  been,  though  the  commander  of  this  division 
of  the  army  and  on  the  spot,  consulted  by  the  War  Department  on 
the  subject. 

Respectfully  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

WINFIELD  SCOTT. 

Head-quarters,  Eastern  Division, 
J>Ceiv  York,  January  4,  1849. 


Ordinance  Department, 
Washington^  December  22,  1848. 

Sir:  In  answer  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  20th  instant,  referred  by  you  to  this  office,  I  have  the  honor 
to  state  that  the  property  at  the  ordnance  depot  on  Governor's 
island,  in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  is  estimated  by  the  last  annual 
inventory,  as  follows: 

Buildings,  fences  and  sea  walls  $47,600  00 

Ordnance  stores  of  all  kinds  in  the  arsenal  yard  and 

ordnance  buildings   1,023,195  49 

1,070,795  49 

Add  value  of  the  armament  of  Fort  Columbus   52,479  00 

T^tlue  of  the  armament  of  Castle  Williams   47,512  00 

Total   $1,170,786  49 

'  The  value  of  the  land  is  not  included  in  the  above  mentioned  in- 
ventory, as  it  w^as  already  in  use  for  military  purposes  when  the 
depot  was  established. 

I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

G.  TALCOTT, 
Colonel  of  Ordnance. 

Hon.  W.  L.  Marcy, 
Secretary  of  War. 

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